Dec. 19, 2023 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich . – Tyler Muniz now lives in Kansas, where he’s a firefighter and EMT, but he’s made a lot of stops along the way. He’s worked in youth development for the YMCA, parent aid for the state of Arizona, and corrections in Missouri. The starting point for Muniz’s wide-ranging career? GRCC, which he calls “the home to new opportunities.” He credits the college with getting him “back on track”: “I chose high school to be athletics and social hour and didn’t take my classes seriously. GRCC allowed me to be on my own and get my life straightened out for success.” Muniz, a member of the 2009 National Championship football team, graduated with his associate degree in business in 2010. He completed a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and corrections at Culver-Stockton College in Missouri, joining four other GRCC football team members in playing for the Wildcats. He eventually earned a master’s in nonprofit, public and organizational management from Louisiana State University-Shreveport. He decided to go in a new direction in 2017. “After 10 years of working with children and families of all backgrounds, I found that sitting at a desk wasn’t an environment I thrived in,” he said. “I made the career change to firefighter around five years ago and haven’t looked back since." Muniz, who’s married with two children, keeps in touch with friends from his time at GRCC. “Being able to move into the big city, coming from a small town outside of Kalamazoo was such an amazing experience!” he said. “I lived off Lyon and Lafayette and was able to walk to class and practice within minutes. I had professors who took the time to help me when needed. I felt like I could ask questions, and, no matter what, someone was going to help. “There were resources anywhere you looked, you just needed to utilize them.”

Dec. 12, 2023 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich . – Jaret Jaramillo has been a trailblazer since high school when, as a senior, he made Kent City history by becoming his school’s first-ever boys soccer player to sign to play in college with a commitment to the new soccer program at Grand Rapids Community College. He graduated in the spring of 2023 as Kent City’s all-time leader in both goals and assists, even though he missed his entire sophomore season due to injury. Now, as a first-year GRCC student he continues to thrive. He had a great first season on the pitch for the Raiders, playing in 18 games and starting 10. But, more importantly, he is getting the world-class education he had hoped for when he first signed with the Raiders. He’s studying in the GRCC Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning/Refrigeration (HVACR) program , and those classes have been his favorites a semester into his collegiate experience. He’s also excited about the path forward, which he hopes will include first earning his associate degree at GRCC and then transferring to Ferris State University for further education before entering the workforce. “Down the road, I see myself at a job where I enjoy getting paid good money with what I've learned,” he said. “And someday, hopefully I will be married happily and maybe have a small family.”  Jaramillo said he’s getting a little taste of future milestones in his life thanks to a small business his parents run that he often works at. It’s called J&A Decorating (for the first names of his father Joseph and his mother Arianna), and it offers decorating for all types of events, especially weddings and quinceañeras. The business has been part of the family for a dozen years. Jaramillo began to pitch in at a young age and now can be found many weekends helping set up and tear down for events. He has tried to bring a similar willingness to help out to his first season of collegiate soccer where, he said, the camaraderie he experienced as part of the 2023 season was a true highlight. “I like that everyone gets along with each other and how fast I make new friends,” Jaramillo said. “And the coaches are great people.” That’s high praise considering his first coach, and soccer hero, is his father, a Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity employee who has been playing soccer since he was a young boy growing up in Mexico. “He also played soccer at Sparta High School where he was All Conference, All District and All Region and then played four years for Grand Valley State University,” Jaramillo said with a small smile of pride. “He got me playing when I was seven, and I have loved it ever since.” Jaramillo also was proud to recently receive the Community Youth Award for a Hispanic student who positively represents the Hispanic youth community and also is a role model in college. He was nominated by Lupe Ramos Montigny of the Committee to Honor César E. Chávez . “It was an award based on an inspiring Hispanic student who puts into action the values and legacy of César E. Chávez on a daily basis,” Jaramillo said. “A student who is a positive role model for other youth in his school and his community.” The award was presented at the Committee to Honor César E. Chávez Hispanic Excellence Scholarship and Community Awards Gala. In the video that introduced him prior to receiving his award, Jaramillo spoke movingly about Chávez and the impact he has had on a generation of Hispanic youth. “I think that one of César Chávez’s  values that I can relate to is sacrifice,” he said. “Something that César Chávez has done that has impacted me was when he sacrificed himself for the farmworkers, so they could have better wages and better farm working conditions. This has impacted me to serve my community because I want to better many more people's lives and help as many people as I can.”

Dec. 8, 2023 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - An artist, a state lawmaker and a high school coach are among those receiving honors at the 2024 GIANT Awards. The GIANT Awards recognize members of the African American community for their contributions to shaping the history, culture and quality of life in the Grand Rapids area. Each award is named after someone who has demonstrated excellence and serves as a perpetual memorial to those contributions. Grand Rapids Community College has hosted the awards ceremony since 1983. “The people being honored have helped build our community,” said Tempy Mann, chairperson of the 41st GIANT Awards. “We are excited to share their stories and celebrate their achievements.” Award recipients are listed alphabetically: Valissa Armstead , senior director of diversity and inclusion at Corewell Health – the Raymond Tardy Community Service Award. Debra Bates , owner and administrator for Choice Business Systems Inc. and owner of MeMe’s Foundation Boutique – the Milo Brown Business Award. George Bayard III , artist, owner of Bayard Gallery of Fine African American Art & Books, and executive director of the Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives – Ethel Coe Humanities Award. Tasha Blackmon , president and CEO of Cherry Health – the Eugene Browning Medical Service Award. Jimmy Carter , former head coach for East Kentwood High School’s girls basketball team – Walter Coe Public Service Award. Jamie Gordon , executive director of human resources for Kentwood Public Schools – the Phyllis Scott Activist Award. Kristian Grant , the first African American woman to represent Grand Rapids in the state House – William Glenn Trailblazer Award. The Rev. Charles Hudson III , president and CEO of C.H. Hudson Outreach Ministries – the H.C. Toliver Religious Life Award. Latesha Lipscomb , director of engagement and relationships at Amplify GR – Floyd Skinner Justice Award. Inez Smith , retired teacher – Hattie Beverly Education Award. Bobbie Springer , associate director of Veterans Upward Bound at Grand Valley State University and director of MI GEAR UP – the W.W. Plummer Humanitarian Award. Recipients of the Junior GIANT Awards and scholarships are Nas Brooks from Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy and Caebre Baty from Grand Rapids Christian High School. GRCC alumnus Rallah Cobbins, now at Western Michigan University, will receive the Dr. Patricia Pulliam College Leadership Award. Still to be announced is the GIANT Among Giants. That name will be revealed during the awards ceremony, which starts at 6 p.m. Feb. 3 at the DeVos Place ballroom, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. Sponsorship and ticket information can be found online .

Dec. 7, 2023 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich . – George Muyskens didn’t always picture himself with a college degree. After graduating from Whitehall High School in 2010, he attempted community college twice but was unable to finish his degree either time. He then entered the Air Force, hoping for a bit of direction in his life. “You don’t always know what you want to do right out of high school. I certainly had no clue,” he said with a smile. But now, thanks to Grand Rapids Community College and Michigan Reconnect, he is able to look at the future differently. Currently, he is on-track to graduate this spring with an associate degree in computer programming, something he is extremely proud of. “It’s been a long process, but I’m here,” he said. Muyskens first became interested in computer science during his time in the Air Force, where he served as a radio frequency technician. “My main purpose was helping to operate an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), otherwise known as a drone,” he recalled. “We would remotely take pictures of different areas all across the world. I would be sitting next to the pilot and sensor operator, setting up the take-off, landing and communication between the different components of the drone.” The skills he learned while serving in the military paid off in a big way when he decided to re-enter civilian life and landed a position as a systems test technician at Gentex Corporation last fall. “Not many people learn the things I did while in the Air Force unless they have a college degree. That gave me what I needed to get here,” he said. At Gentex, Muyskens is responsible for testing products and apps during various stages of their development, and computer programming is a big part of the job. Soon after starting there, his superiors began encouraging him to pursue more education in the field. He considered several local colleges, but none could meet his needs the way that GRCC could. And the tuition assistance he received through Michigan Reconnect sealed the deal for him, he said. Michigan Reconnect is a scholarship program funded by the state that provides eligible Michiganders with free in-district tuition at a Michigan community college, helping them earn an associate degree or skill certificate. As a nontraditional student, Muyskens said the flexibility GRCC gives him is invaluable. He is able to take a wide range of classes either online or in-person at one of GRCC’s conveniently located campuses. “It’s really flexible with my schedule, since I’m a parent who works 9 to 5,” he said. “When I needed to take an algebra class, I was able to pop out of work on a break and take it at the Lakeshore campus. And doing homework after my kids go to bed has kind of become my ‘me time.’” One of his favorite parts of his studies so far has been learning different programming languages, something his professors at GRCC have made easily accessible. “I took a class recently on Python. The professor’s lessons were actually grounded in real life, and he really made sure you understood the material before moving on,” he recalled. “It’s been such a good starting point for jumping into other areas of programming.” Muyskens says that the more of computer programming he studies, the more he wants to learn, and that this is what motivates him to finish GRCC on a high note before transferring to Davenport University to complete his bachelor’s degree in computer programming. After that, he plans to stay with Gentex and grow within the organization, which his education has helped make possible. “Going to school at GRCC has opened the door for future roles there, after I finish,” he said. With a degree from GRCC in sight, Muyskens’ future looks a whole lot brighter, and he recommends this path to anyone, especially fellow adult learners. “GRCC really has so much to offer, and the Michigan Reconnect Program makes it so easy to get there. I tell everyone that they should do it too,” he said with a laugh. This story was reported by Alissa Griffin

Dec. 6, 2023 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College President Charles Lepper was recently named to a board overseeing Michigan’s prepaid tuition program. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appointed Lepper to the Michigan Education Trust board of directors last month. His term runs through 2024. Michigan Education Trust, the state’s 529 savings program, allows users to pay for future education costs at current prices. The benefits may be used for postsecondary education at public and private colleges, universities and technical schools, both in and outside Michigan. Lepper and his fellow board members are responsible for MET’s policy and program development, investment and implementation. “As a community college president, I know the financial challenges students can face,” he said. “I am honored to work with the Michigan Education Trust and help students plan early for their future.” Lepper, selected as GRCC’s 11th president in November 2022, brings more than 25 years of higher education experience to the role. He most recently served as vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management for the 10 campuses that make up Salt Lake Community College.

Nov. 29, 2023 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich . – After some factory jobs and time in the Army, Kwame Presley was ready for a career. But he didn’t have four years, or even two, to pursue a degree. “I just wanted something nice, quick and easy so I can start my career while my daughter is still young,” he said. Presley found what he was looking for in Grand Rapids Community College’s three-month, online Computer Support Technician program. He recently shared his experiences on the national podcast “All In: Student Pathways Forward,” joining GRCC President Charles Lepper and Melissa Goldberg, director of competencies and credentials at Corporation for a Skilled Workforce, as guests this month.   The accelerated Computer Support Technician program offered the flexibility and support that Presley needed as he juggled his education with his family responsibilities. “Sometimes my daughter, she would lay on me while I did my schoolwork, and there were some days I would have to go to doctor’s appointments and stuff like that,” he told podcast host Marc Goldberg, adding: “I had class in the morning and then I could do my studying when my daughter was asleep.” Help offered by his instructor, professor Moss Ingram, went beyond class hours. “I emailed him to let him know I was going to start courses soon; he was most helpful,” Presley said. “He gave me a few YouTubes and some websites to look up before courses so I could study ahead of time. His team is amazing. They offered to help find me employment. The career I’m in now – I ended up getting this offer a month before I graduated.” For Lepper, Presley’s story was familiar. “His story is very similar to many of the students we serve throughout the college – an older adult, returning,” Lepper told Marc Goldberg. “He took advantage of a program that had stackable credits that allowed him to apply that to an associate degree. He also earned some certifications along the way.” Goldberg noted that GRCC was unique in allowing the program’s 16 credits to count toward an associate degree. “The noncredit workforce training side of the house says it’s great training leading to job opportunities, but it hasn’t always stacked into an associate degree or even a transfer degree,” he said. “So that was outstanding to hear, that that’s the way it was designed: strategically and thoughtfully and understanding students’ short-term and long-term goals.” Lepper shared information about support available to GRCC students: through its food pantry, community partnerships, scholarships and the “Get Help” webpage’s list of resources. “We’re here to transform lives, so our mission is pretty basic, and a big part of that is working closely with our community and our employers,” he said. Melissa Goldberg, whose organization works to increase economic mobility, particularly for people of color and others historically excluded from success, noted that GRCC is a national leader in workforce training. “Their workforce training program is actively involved in integrating equity-based practices in their programs to promote employment and equity by enhancing engagement and best practices,” she said. “And they have a plan and are working toward developing tools and strategies to identify and address equity gaps and impact labor market access and outcomes.” For Presley, his GRCC credential was a “stepping stone” into his career. A self-described “puzzle guy,” he loves working as an IT specialist at Twisthink, which partners with companies to develop digital strategies and solutions. He’s eager for Ingram, who helped him with his resume, to visit Twisthink’s new headquarters and plans to add to his skills by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity from Ferris State University this spring.  Listen to the full podcast.

Nov. 28, 2023 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College is mourning the death of alumnus Doug Wabeke, who coached the baseball team to NJCAA Division II World Series championships in 1996, 1997, 2003 and 2004.  Wabeke died Saturday at the age of 65. He played shortstop and was a two-time All American as a student at what was then Grand Rapids Junior College and earned all-academic honors while pursuing his bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University. He also earned a master’s degree from Miami University in Ohio.   Wabeke played in the minor leagues with the San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates from 1980 to 1984, climbing as high as Class AA.  He began his 17-year GRCC coaching career in 1987 and served as co-athletic director in 1997. He reached 500 wins in 1998, his 11th season.  Wabeke also served as head coach at Grand Valley State University, an assistant coach at Miami University, head coach of the USA junior national team at the 2003 Pan American Games, coaching staff member of the USA senior national team, and hitting coach at Davenport University.  He was named to the NJCAA Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2022. He and players on the 1996 and 1997 teams were honored during a GRCC baseball game at LMCU Ballpark in 2002. “Right now a lot of former players and coaches are hurting,” said current GRCC baseball coach Mike Eddington, who served as Wabeke’s assistant coach during the 2004 championship. “No one was more passionate about winning than Doug when he played baseball and also as a coach.”